zpizza, the Southern California based gourmet pizza chain, is the most recent addition to The Franchise Registry, a listing of approved Small Business Administration (SBA) companies.

“zpizza is a proven franchised concept that has thrived nationwide,” says Chris Bright, zpizza President. “We have superb marketing and operations assistance for our franchisees and now in addition, we are thrilled to be SBA approved.”

According to the SBA website, The Franchise Registry is a good example of helping small businesses owners through cooperation between government and industry. The dedicated efforts of SBA employees, franchisees, franchisors, and lenders have led to streamlined eligibility guidelines and operating procedures that will reduce costs and processing time and help SBA serve its customers better. The Registry lists names of franchise companies whose franchisees enjoy the benefits of a streamlined review process for SBA loan applications.

“Our franchisee’s success is very important to us,” continues Chris. “We continue to offer every opportunity to make them successful so that we, as a company, will prosper.”

Featured on Good Morning America as a healthy dining option, zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to traditional pizza lovers, health conscious consumers and gourmet palates alike. zpizza’s menu offers 17 tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of premium ingredients—including whole wheat, organic sauces, low-fat cheeses, veggies, and toppings.

zpizza currently has 70 restaurants open, is adding two to three stores per month and has 300 plus units in development. The company expects to have more than 100 open units in the U.S. by mid 2008.